The Acute Network team

We provide support and a voice for acute trusts, integrated providers and ambulance services, supporting your leadership role at place and in systems.

Our members and forums provide strategic oversight helping to shape our priorities and future direction by ensuring that we have a strong and effective national voice for our members ​

​Our work in this area is led by Rory Deighton, director of Acute Network, and a team of experts working across the Confederation’s policy, communications and media teams.

Meet the team

Headshot of Rory Deighton

Rory Deighton

Director, Acute Network

Rory is our director of acute, emergency and community care, leading the Acute Network.

Denise Vettorino

Denise Vittorino

Assistant Director, West Midlands

Denise joined the NHS Confederation as regional lead for the West Midlands in January 2019, following a public health career spanning over 30 years.
Headshot of Sonia Nosheen

Sonia Nosheen

Assistant Director, Acute Network

Sonia is Assistant Director for the Acute Network.

Headshot of Jack Sansum

Jack Sansum

Senior Policy Advisor

Jack is Senior Policy Advisor for our Acute and Community Networks.

Image coming soon

Ben Charman

Communications Manager

Ben is Communications Manager for both our Mental Health Network and Acute Network.

Image coming soon

Vanessa Sampson

Senior Member Engagement Officer

Vanessa is Senior Member Engagement Officer for our Acute Network.

Headshot of Theo Gallagher

Theo Gallagher

Engagement and Support Officer

Theo Gallagher is our Acute Network's engagement and support officer.